Container List

Series I.
Correspondence,1926-1931, 1950-1971

Physical Description:
0.2 linear feet
(1 box)

Scope and Content Note

The records consist of personal correspondence and telegrams, 1926-1971, between J. Paul Getty and his second wife, Allene
Ashby, and her sister, Belene. Also included is one letter to their mother, Ione, two letters from Norris Bramlett (one to
Getty and one to Belene), and one letter from Allene and Belene's sister, Lois Ashby Jensen, to Getty. With the exception
of the postcard from Allene, the two letters from Bramlett, and the letter from Lois, all of the letters and telegrams are
from Getty; the majority are to Belene.

In the letters to Allene between 1926 and 1928, Getty discusses his travels, how much he misses her, and his homesickness
for Los Angeles. The letters to Belene begin in 1931; the bulk date from the 1950s, and continue thereafter on an almost-annual
basis. There are no letters dated between 1931 and 1950. In his letters to Belene, Getty discusses Allene's health, monetary
gifts made to Belene, passes on general greetings and advice, and acknowledges photographs sent.

All the letters sent by Getty were published in Christine Banks',
The Private Life of J. Paul Getty (see Series II. Printed Matter).

Arrangement

These letters are listed individually and are arranged in chronological order.

Records consist of letters, clippings and ephemera related to the Ashby sisters and the extended Ashby family, 1932-1992 and
undated. Subjects of the clippings include society announcements about Belene, information on George Ashby (relationship unknown)
as President of the Union Pacific Railroad, a death announcement for H.S.P. (Stump) Ashby (relationship unknown), an article
on Christine Banks (Belene's granddaughter) and her discovery of Getty's letters to her grandmother and great-aunt (Allene),
and genealogical information on the Ashby family. The photocopies of the guestbook contain greetings and comments from friends
of Belene in Los Angeles, and the address book includes J. Paul Getty's address at Sutton Place, England.

Records consist of 82 photographs, circa 1930-1979 and undated, of the Ashby family. The majority of the photographs feature
Belene Ashby, sister of Getty's second wife, Allene Ashby; also present are members of the Ashby family, including Allene
and Lois (Belene and Allene's sister), and various unidentified individuals, at family gatherings and holidays.